Mirror Lake Wolves 02 - Moon Hunted

by Jennifer Snyder

  “Everything is too damn wet out here,” Benji grumbled.

  I sat in the chair near Becca.

  “I didn’t know you drank,” I said, trying to forget the way Shane kept staring at me.

  “Normally I don’t, but I figured what the heck. Summer is halfway over. Soon I’ll be stressed out over school again. Might as well enjoy myself some before college starts.” She shrugged.

  “I know what you mean,” I said as I took another sip. Surprisingly, it tasted good, but I wasn’t about to get drunk tonight. Not with Shane around. Maybe I could make this beer last me all night without anyone noticing.

  Ridley moved to sit in the chair beside me. Her gaze was focused on the woods in front of us. I tried to follow her stare, but I didn’t see whatever it was she seemed to see. It didn’t mean there wasn’t anything there, though. It was possible her witchy side was seeing something I couldn’t. Or maybe she’d spotted Tate? I skimmed the greenery and brush again but didn’t see anything. I opened my mouth to ask her if she was okay, but Benji had stepped behind her. He passed a beer in front of her face. She flinched, causing Benji to laugh.

  “Sorry.” He chuckled. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

  “It’s okay.” Her face shifted through at least five shades of red as she took the beer from him. She never put it to her lips. Unease rippled from her as her gaze darted back to the woods. I wanted to ask what she was looking at but figured it had to be Tate. I didn’t want to blow his cover. “Thanks.”

  “And…let there be fire,” Alec said as crackling embers floated toward the sky from the fire pit in front of me. None of these guys were boy scouts, that was for sure. It had taken them way too long to start a fire.

  “Awesome,” Benji said as he gave him a high five. “You know, we should have brought our fishing poles. No better time to fish than at night.”

  The guys drifted into a conversation about fishing, and Becca rifled through the cooler of food. I took the opportunity to chat with Ridley.

  “You know, you don’t have to drink that.” I nodded to the untouched beer in her hand.

  “I know.” She trailed her thumb along the side of the bottle, wiping away the condensation building. “I will, it’s just…”

  “What? Is something wrong?” If having Tate in the woods freaked her out so much maybe I should tell her why he was there. Or at least something about him being safe even if I couldn’t tell her the exact reason why he was hiding in the woods, watching.

  Ridley’s blue eyes shifted to mine. Her pupils were dilated as she bit her bottom lip. “It’s this place. Something about it gives me the heebie-jeebies.”

  A witch telling me something about this place was giving her the heebie-jeebies creeped me out.

  “Why?” I asked as I took another sip from my beer. My mouth had gone dry.

  Ridley adjusted her glasses higher on her nose as she contemplated her next words. “I can’t say for sure, but there’s something about it I can’t shake.”

  “Like a feeling?” I needed more details. Was it something she felt or something she saw?

  “It’s going to sound crazy, but I get the impression you’re capable of handling crazy for some reason,” she said, holding my gaze. I wanted to tell her she had no idea how much crazy I could handle but didn’t. Instead I kept my mouth shut and waited for her to continue. “I feel like…like there’s tragedy lingering in the air here. I think something horrible happened in these woods not too long ago.”

  I couldn’t breathe. Was she talking about Glenn being abducted?

  “I’m probably wrong, though,” she insisted with a shrug. She released a long, shaky breath before taking a sip from her beer. “Forget I said anything, okay?”

  “Do you get feelings like that often?” I couldn’t let what she’d said go. One, I didn’t want her thinking I thought she was crazy. Two, I wanted to know how what she felt worked. I wanted her to elaborate.

  “Ever since I was little.”

  “Hey, how many hot dogs do you think I should make?” Becca asked us. “I brought two packages, but do you really think I need to make them both?”

  I hated that she’d interrupted mine and Ridley’s conversation, but Ridley seemed glad.

  “How many come in a package?” I asked.

  “Eight,” Becca said as she read the front of the package. “There are six of us, but I know Shane can eat at least two and Benji might even eat three by himself.”

  “Then make both. That way the guys can eat as many as they want, and there’s still something for us,” I suggested.

  “I’m with Mina. Make both,” Ridley insisted. She took another sip from her beer, and I noticed whatever tension she’d been harboring before was slowly melting away. I liked to think it had more to do with telling me what she felt rather than her beer.

  I wanted to ask her more, but I didn’t want her to feel as though I was putting her on the spot. It would probably be best to wait and see if she brought it up again later tonight on her own. I did, however, make a mental note to mention something about what she’d said to Eli. It was too creepy not to.

  “Anyone else need a refill?” Shane asked as he made his way to the cooler. He lifted the lid and pulled another beer out for himself. “Anyone?” he asked again as he glanced at each of us.

  “I’ll take another,” Benji said. He moved to where Shane was, squeezing Ridley’s shoulder as he passed by her chair.

  “Alec?” Shane asked.

  “Nah, man. I’m good. Pacing myself,” Alec said as he stepped behind my chair. He leaned down and placed a kiss to the top of my head. “Still having a good time?”

  “Yeah. I love this place,” I said as I glanced up at him.

  “I brought a pack of cards if anyone wants to play,” Benji said as he rifled through the backpack he’d brought.

  “I’ll play.” Alec grinned. “What game are we playing?”

  “You name it, we’ll play it.” Benji removed the cards from their box and began shuffling.

  Two hours later, we’d all taken part in a game of poker, and the guys had played two or three games of blackjack. We’d eaten Becca’s meal, and each of us had gone beyond one beer. I was just starting beer number three, but Benji and Alec were already hammered. Becca wasn’t far behind. It was all because of Shane. He kept passing out beers and challenging Benji and Alec to race while drinking, seeing who could down a beer the fastest. Benji won every time, but it didn’t keep Alec from trying. And, it didn’t take me long to realize Shane was trying to get everyone drunk.

  This knowledge put me on edge.

  My gaze drifted to the woods in search of some sign Tate was there. I couldn’t see him or feel his presence. More times than I could count I thought to reach for my cell and message Eli to ask if Tate had made it out here yet, but I always decided against it. I didn’t want Eli believing I felt a need to have someone watch over me. I didn’t want him to think I was scared, because then he’d never let me live coming out here tonight down.

  Darkness settled in and I felt my unease grow. I took another sip from my beer, knowing it would be my last of the night. I needed to keep my wits about me; Shane’s looks my way had only grown more sinister as the night went on.

  “I’ll be right back,” I said to Alec as I stood and handed him my beer. He was playing another game of blackjack with Benji. Shane was sitting this one out. I could feel his eyes on me, but I ignored them. “I need to use the restroom.”

  “I hate to say it, but pick a tree, darlin’,” Alec said with a wide grin. His face was flushed from alcohol and his eyes were bloodshot.

  “Yeah, yeah. I know.” I rolled my eyes. “You guys have things so easy.”

  Alec didn’t say anything, but instead burst into a fit of laughter as I walked away. I started into the woods, glancing around for any signs of Tate. The last thing I wanted was for him to watch me pop a squat.

  I made it a few feet away from camp and hid behind a large tree. My gaze swept
the woods, searching for Tate while I unbuttoned my shorts. When I didn’t see him, I slipped them down along with my panties and held my breath as I released my bladder. My ears struggled to listen beyond the night noises for someone creeping up on me. As soon as I’d drip-dried, I pulled my panties and shorts up, eager to get back to where everyone was at. Being separated from the others had my anxiety on high alert.

  Something crashed through the woods nearby and I jumped.

  “Jesus, if that was you, Tate, I’m going to beat the crap out of you,” I growled as I swept my gaze over the area where the noise had come from.

  Slight movement through the trees captured my attention, but I couldn’t make out what it was until it stepped closer. The sliver of light from the crescent moon filtering through the tree branches above glistened across dark fur. Was Tate watching me in wolf form? For whatever reason, I’d assumed he’d be in human form. I guessed wolf form made more sense, though. Then he’d be able to hear and see better. He’d also be able to do more to protect me, should the need arise.

  I took a step forward, hoping to get a better glimpse of him. Tate would be able to understand me if I yelled at him for sneaking up on me while I was peeing. It was only after our first shift, when we were still hopped up on salvia tea that it was hard to understand what others were saying.

  When he moved farther into the thicket of brush and tried to hide from my view, chills ran along my spine. Was someone else watching me he didn’t want to see him? I paused and glanced around. When I didn’t see anyone, I continued toward him.

  “What is wrong with you?” I whispered as I peeled back a few of the thinner, low-hanging branches so I could get a better view of him.

  I realized then I wasn’t looking at Tate at all—instead, I was looking at Violet.

  What was she doing out here? She knew the rules and the risks when it came to running alone. Apparently, she didn’t care. Had she come out here every night since the full moon? I hoped not. Violet didn’t know the dangers lurking in the woods on any given night like I did. She’d heard Gran’s stories same as everyone else, but she didn’t know how serious the consequences of being in these woods alone while shifted were. My stomach twisted. Violet was exactly what Drew was hoping to grab for a big chunk of money—a female werewolf.

  She needed to go home. She needed to get out of here. Now.

  “You shouldn’t be here, Violet!” I raised my voice and waved my arms, but she didn’t move. “I mean it. You need to get out of here. Now!” At the sharp sound of my voice, she turned tail and took off through the woods.

  The knots in my stomach untied themselves, and I exhaled a long breath at the sight of her retreating form. The sense of relief I felt didn’t last long, though. Violet wasn’t headed toward the trailer park like I wanted her to be, she was heading deeper into the woods.

  My heart kick-started in my chest.

  I pulled my cell from my back pocket and scrolled through old text messages until I found Eli’s name. I didn’t know who else to tell. I didn’t have Tate’s number, and even though Eli was at work, I still felt he might be able to help. Maybe he could send a message to Tate.

  I know you’re working, but I just spotted Violet in the woods. She must have decided to take a run by herself. - Mina

  I waited a few seconds for him to respond before I started heading back to the others.

  What the hell is she doing out there? She knows better than to run alone. Especially being newly changed.

  Yeah, well she is. I stepped away from camp for a second to use the restroom and spotted her. At first I thought it was Tate, but then I realized it was Violet. - Mina

  Movement a few feet away from me garnered my attention. The fine hair on the back of my neck stood on end. There were too many eyes out here, watching me. I could feel them all now, but I couldn’t determine if they were animal or human, and I knew it wouldn’t be Violet again. Not after the way I’d yelled at her.

  Another text came through from Eli, startling me.

  I’ll let Tate know she’s there and see if he can get her to head home. It’s not safe for her out there. We both know she’s exactly what Shane and his brothers are looking for.

  My heart pounded against my rib cage. I hoped Tate could find her. I needed to know she was safe at home. She was too young for whatever Shane’s brother, Drew, had planned for a female wolf. Her parents and little sister flashed through my mind. They’d be devastated if she disappeared. Gracie would be too. Violet’s younger sister, Callie, was her best friend.

  Thanks. - Mina

  There was nothing else left to say. Eli would message Tate, and he would get Violet to go home. I had to trust in that.

  My gaze swept over the woods surrounding me as I continued making my way back to our camp. I’d been gone for too long. While I was sure Alec and a few of the others might not have noticed, Shane probably would. It wasn’t good for me to be out here another second alone.

  A thought came to me: What if Tate was in his wolf form? There would be no way for Eli to let him know Violet was out here.

  Shit.

  All I could do was hope things worked out for the best because the alternative was something I didn’t want to think about.

  8

  When I made it back to the others, they were sitting around the fire, listening to Benji tell a joke. I sat in the seat next Alec again. He glanced at me. His eyes were nearly shut, but he still managed a smile before taking another swig from his beer.

  “You were gone for a while,” he slurred as he reached out to drape an arm over my shoulder. I wanted to laugh, but held it in.

  God, he was wasted.

  “Was I?”

  “Yeah. Thought I was gonna have to come look for you.” He released my shoulder in favor of placing his hand on my thigh. “I’m glad you came tonight. We don’t get to spend enough time together. Not as much as I’d like. I really like you. I mean, I really freaking like you.”

  His words were sweet, but I chuckled at him nonetheless. “I really freaking like you, too.”

  “Do you? Sometimes I wonder,” he said as his bloodshot eyes narrowed on me. “You seem distant, almost as though you’re lost in your own world. One I can’t join.”

  I licked my lips, not knowing what to say. He’d hit the nail on the head. I was lost in my own world. All the time. Unfortunately, it was one he couldn’t join.

  Had I really been that transparent, though?

  “I don’t mind. Not really. All I want is to get close to you, Mina. As close as you’ll allow.” He leaned forward until only inches remained between us. His mouth barely brushed mine when he spoke again. “You’re like a freaking mystical creature, Mina Ryan, and I want to know everything about you.”

  My heart stopped. Was he being literal? Did he know what I was? Alarm nipped at my insides. Suddenly, I felt as though I was treading in dangerous territory with him.

  Alec leaned away, giving me space to breathe, but my lungs seemed to forget how. His gaze intensified and I knew the conversation wasn’t over yet.

  “I’ve been fascinated by magic and mystical creatures, the supernatural world, since I was little,” he whispered before taking another swig from his beer. My throat grew dry. This conversation couldn’t be going anywhere good. “I don’t talk much about it because my mom hates anything supernatural related—she thinks it’s all devil’s play—but after what happened to my uncle, I’ve never been able to shake the feeling everything muttered about in this town is all real.”

  Oh no. Shane didn’t need to hear any of this, and Alec didn’t need to continue with his train of thought. He might ask me a question I wouldn’t be able to answer. Not here. Not now. Maybe not ever.

  My gaze drifted to Shane. He wasn’t paying attention to our conversation. Becca was doing a good job of occupying him with her lips. It was the first time I’d seen them look like an actual couple. Generally, Shane was too busy being moody.

  When their kiss broke, Shane plac
ed her knuckles to his lips in a sweet gesture that spurred a giggle from her and had me thinking he might be sweeter than I gave him credit for. Maybe this side of him was the one Becca and the others saw most often. Maybe I made his bad side come out. Or maybe we had more in common than I liked to think—we both had a strong desire to protect those we cared for.

  My gaze drifted to Ridley and Benji. They were playing a game of war with the cards Benji had brought, oblivious to us.

  “Have you ever wondered if it was all real?” Alec muttered, drawing my attention back to him. “There’s no way someone could make all that crap up, right? Vampires, witches, werewolves, fairies. I mean, someone had to see at least one of them along the line. Humans can’t have that good of imaginations. Not a chance.”

  I squirmed in my seat. What could I say? What should I say? Alec leaned back in his chair and glanced up at the night sky.

  “I don’t know.” I shrugged. “I guess I’ve never given much thought to it.”

  Alec’s head lulled to the side. His eyes were still bloodshot and glossed over, but his gaze was focused on me. “Oh, come on. You can’t be serious. You’ve honestly never—”

  “Hey! Know what we all should do?” Benji shouted as he slapped a stack of cards down on the cooler between him and Ridley. “Go for a little nighttime swim in the lake!”

  “Yes,” Shane insisted, surprising me with his level of enthusiasm for the idea. “A moonlight swim sounds perfect.” He tapped on Becca’s thigh, motioning for her to stand so he could get up. She giggled when he intertwined his fingers through hers and pulled her along with him toward the lake. Apparently, alcohol made Becca a giggly school girl without a thought of her own. I didn’t think skinny dipping was something she’d be up for if she were sober.

  I debated for a second whether I should try to be her voice of reason or let her cut loose a little.

  When she stumbled, tripping on a root, I knew she had to be hammered. Shane caught her before she hit the ground. His reflexes were quick for being so intoxicated. The two of them burst into a fit of laughter, and I rolled my eyes even as a smile stretched onto my face. Becca was having fun. She’d be okay.